Philly using mimes instead of texting lanes'

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Streets Department was using mimes and clowns to remind pedestrians and drivers to not be fools — on April 1 or any other day.

The city last year painted a gag "texting lane" on a street near City Hall last year as a not-so-subtle reminder that pedestrians who keep their noses buried in their cell phones should keep their eyes on the roads and sidewalks instead.

On Monday, KYW-TV reports (http://cbsloc.al/16eHlAO) that Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler has deployed city workers dressed as clowns and mimes to send a similar message.

The clowns and mimes have been silently scolding drivers and pedestrians who ignored safety laws.

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Cutler says "pedestrians need to lift their heads up off their cell phones and cars should stop at red lights. Sometimes they think it's just a suggestion."